Day of Sucwentwécw

Day of Sucwentwécw 2022

The First People’s Principles of Learning are incorporated into the content of the BC Curriculum, as are the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action which call us to “integrate Indigenous knowledge and teaching methods into classrooms.”

The Day of Sucwentwécw (Acknowledging One Another) is an annual initiative held on April 7 each year, to recognize and celebrate the Secwépemc People (Secwepemcúl’ecw) and other Aboriginal people residing within the Secwépemc Territory.

This year’s theme, “Well Becoming Through Emotional, Physical, Intellectual and Spiritual Indigenous Values,” is based on the First Peoples Principles of Learning and Aboriginal Worldviews and Perspectives. This is an opportunity for all schools to continue to embed the First People’s Principles of Learning, and to address the Calls to Action as outlined in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

The day will be marked with a focus on the concept of gathering and presentations of learning in all district schools. There are a number of resources provided to teachers, including videos, some of which are posted below. 

Jackie Jules - Introducing the Day of Sucwentwécw

How to Say "Day of Sucwentwécw"

Bernice Jensen - Introduction to the Welcome Song

"The Welcome Song is our Secwépemc Song that is sung all over the Secwépemc Nation," said Bernice Jensen, Cultural Education Coordinator with the Kamloops Aboriginal Friendship Society.  "It welcomes all of us; it welcomes the people, welcomes Mother Earth and welcomes our ancestors.  The beat of the drums are the heart beat of the nations coming together strong and powerful.  It’s part of our ceremony and helps us connect to the creator to offer prayers of healing and to give thanks to all.  All My Relations."

Day of Sucwentwécw - Welcome Song

"In addition to our students performing the Welcome Song, our students had an opportunity to dress up in beautiful regalia and moccasins," said Rae Bennett, Aboriginal Education Worker. "In the Secwépemc cultures, only certain pieces of regalia were displayed while dancing to the Welcome Song. All the girls wore yokes, long skirts, leggings, moccasins, and accessories. Their hair accessories had feathers and beads that matched their regalia. The boy dancers each wore vests and moccasins. The drummers and singers wore the Secwépemc colours of the medicine wheel - black, white, red, and yellow."

Hello, Weykt,

My name is Teresa Seymour.  First I’m going to talk about myself and my family. I’m in grade 6 and I am 11 years old, soon to be 12.  The school I go to is Parkcrest. I have a sister whose name is Rachel Seymour. She is 17 years old. She is lots of fun but she might say that she is not. My mom is so fun. One time she did a cartwheel in the house. It was so cool and funny. My dad is fun too but he can not do a cartwheel. Sometimes he does dad jokes. My whole family goes hunting, fishing, and camping. It's lots of fun. I have been doing art for about 3 to 4 years now. I mostly do nature scenes or people. Something like that. It is lots of fun. My friends are like family, they are really nice and fun.

Recently, I was very inspired by the Eagle painting that’s in the hallway of the school.  It really inspired me to draw something similar. I thought of Eagle feathers growing, spiritually, emotionally, physically, and intellectually. l also thought of our traditional animals. One of the 7 teachings is the Eagle. It represents love. I thought of these special 4 words as spiritual indigenous values.  The saying I went with was “ The Eagle’s feathers are growing,  spiritual, emotional, physical, intellectual”. The saying made me feel really grateful for my nice life. 

Now about the Medicine Wheel and what it stands for. I think that the color white would stand for love.  Everyone needs it. To show it I drew a heart. The color yellow stands for intellectual. To show it I drew a brain. The color black would stand for strength. To show it I drew a strong arm. The color red would stand for spirt. To show it I drew two hands praying. These four things represent many feelings that everyone has. I hope others will do kind things. Maybe they will help someone with something. These things we all need in life. Let's always remember it.

Sincerely 

Teresa Seymour